Natural Disaster Back Home When On Vacation

[Nurse.K]

Hey fellow nurses! I'm having trouble coping with the fact that I'm on vacation while there is a Cat 5 hurricane about to hit my hometown where I currently have a nursing job at a local government hospital. I explained I was on vacation to my manager when she asked me how everything looked if we were called in on Friday night to "hold down the fort". I proceeded to tell her I was out of town and she told me to stay safe. I am not scheduled to work until Monday but because the storm is now scheduled to hit on Sunday I am

not sure I will be able to get home (find flights, etc.) and into work by 7am Monday. Earlier in the year I filled out a form where I opted to work post hurricane this year. The policy is that you have to be at the hospital within 4 hours if you work post hurricane once called in. Is this grounds for dismissal?

I'm worried about getting on a plane that will safely land post hurricane. Lots of flights will be delayed/cancelled etc.

Lots of factors but looking for some insight. Thanks. Stay safe.

[brownbook]

You have talked to your manager. You have done about all you can. If you get fired for this you are working at a stupid place and are lucky to be rid of them!

I have too much common sense.....of course your manager knows you can't easily get flights into a disaster area in a timely manner! I wouldn't bother her too much, she has a lot of stuff to deal with. Send her a text Sunday updating her on if or when you can get a flight back to your hometown.

Try to not get to stressed, you sound like an extremely caring, competent nurse. But I'm sure your co-workers can manage to muddle through until you can safely return home and come to work refreshed so you can take over and they can go home.

[Nurse.K]

Thank you so much for your reassurance, brownbook. I love my job and the hospital I work at. I'm eager to get back but want to do it in the safest way possible. Thanks again.

[morte, LPN, LVN]

why was vacation time OK in hurricane season? and since your manager did, I would think she needs to suck it up

[elkpark]

why was vacation time OK in hurricane season? and since your manager did, I would think she needs to suck it up

You realize that "hurricane season" lasts nearly half the year, right? How practical would it be to tell employees that no one can take vacation time from the beginning of June to the end of November? People are going to be on vacation, and traveling, during hurricane season.

[Nurse.K]

Hey morte! Thanks for your response. Hurricane season lasts for 6 months out of the year so it's not really practical for the hospital to not approve vacation for all of its staff from June 1st to December 1st. Historically they have frowned upon people not coming in to help when needed. I just worry when they need me I won't be able to get back in time.

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

Well it's not like you can teleport home. If your manager fires you because you lack that ability, she's a delusional nut. Just give her as much notice as possible.